decanter
UK[dɪˈkæntə(r)]US[dɪˈkæntər]
n
a decorative glass bottle with a stopper, used for serving wine or other alcoholic drinks.
n
a vessel used for decanting a liquid.
Morpheme Breakdown
decant
er
decant
rim of a vessel, spout
er
Etymology
the word 'decanter' is built upon the verb 'decant', which originates from the latin 'decanthare', meaning 'to pour off from the rim'. this combines 'de-' (away, down from) and 'canthus' (rim, specifically of a wheel or vessel). the '-er' suffix, of germanic origin, is a common agentive ending in english, turning the action into a noun for the object that performs it. thus, a decanter is literally 'a thing that decants', evolving from a term describing the careful pouring of wine away from its sediment into a vessel designed specifically for that purpose and for elegant service.
Analysis
Structure: decant + er
decant (from latin 'decanthare', from 'de-' meaning 'down from, away' + 'canthus' meaning 'rim of a vessel, spout'); er (agent noun suffix, from old english '-ere', indicating a person or thing that performs an action).
Examples
he poured the aged port into a crystal decanter.
the butler brought in a silver decanter filled with sherry.
after letting the wine breathe in the decanter, its aroma improved significantly.